February 29, 2012

Sleeping pill use tied to higher death risk

People who take certain prescription sleeping pills even once in a while may be up to five times more susceptible to early death, a U.S. study suggests.

Read the entire article from CBC here

Dr. Charles Samuels is medical director of the Centre for Sleep & Human Performance in Calgary, and has written guidelines for family doctors on use of sleeping pills. He considers the drugs to be overprescribed, but worries the paper will undermine their appropriate use.

Identify source of sleep problem

“There are other options that can help you sleep better before you turn to the pharmaceuticals,” said CBC medical specialist Dr. Karl Kabasele.

Doctors say everyone could benefit from sleep hygiene — a set of behaviours such as going to bed at the same time all week, avoiding caffeine and stimulation from TV, electronics and strenuous activities before bedtime.

At Bodo we are committed to finding drug-free rest solutions,  for our customers.